Current concepts in occupational health: metals-chromium.

Chromium and its compounds have long been generally recognized as having potentially severe occupational health hazards. A brief review of the historical perspectives is provided. Failure to properly differentiate between the various valence states, which exhibit different toxicological properties and the physical state (solubility, particle size, etc.) as well as poor quantitation and characterization of exposure has led to confusion and potential error in estimating the risk inherent in working with chromium and its compounds. An overview is provided of the most recent and available data which address these issues in light of current concepts of scientific evaluation.